Systems and methods for locking a sensor to a base

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise display systems and methods for displaying an article of merchandise. In one example, the system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise. The system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon. The base includes a lock mechanism configured to lock the sensor to the base.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/617,260, filed on Nov. 26, 2019, which is a 371 National Phase entryof International Application No. PCT/US2018/035070, filed on May 30,2018, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/513,048 filed on May 31, 2017, and to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/613,622 filed on Jan. 4, 2018, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to securitysystems and methods for articles of merchandise in a retail environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retailers routinely display articles of merchandise, such as telephones,portable computers (e.g. notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), and thelike for customers to evaluate before making a purchase. These articlesof merchandise are continually being made smaller and lighter in weightdue to advances in technology and materials. As a result, suchmerchandise is increasingly vulnerable and susceptible to theft. At thesame time, the retail price and profit margin for such merchandisecontinues to decline. Accordingly, these articles of merchandise need tobe secured by a security device that effectively and cost efficientlyprotects the merchandise from theft.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards merchandisedisplay systems and methods for displaying an article of merchandise. Inone embodiment, a merchandise display system comprises a sensorconfigured to be secured to the article of merchandise, the sensorcomprising a first engagement member. The merchandise display systemalso includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon,the base defining an opening configured to receive a portion of thesensor therein. In addition, the merchandise display system includes alock mechanism comprising at least one second engagement memberconfigured to releasably engage the first engagement member configuredto lock the sensor to the base, and a rotatable mechanism extendingabout the opening and configured to actuate the lock mechanism. Therotatable mechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, andwherein rotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause theat least one second engagement member to move either into engagementwith the first engagement member for locking the sensor on the base in alocked position or out of engagement with the first engagement member inan unlocked position.

In another embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a sensorconfigured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a baseconfigured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining anopening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. Themerchandise display system further includes a lock mechanism configuredto lock the sensor to the base and a rotatable mechanism extending aboutthe opening and configured to actuate the lock mechanism. The rotatablemechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, and whereinrotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the lockmechanism to lock the sensor on the base in a locked position or unlockthe sensor from the base in an unlocked position.

In another embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a sensorconfigured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a baseconfigured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining anopening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. Themerchandise display system includes a lock mechanism configured to lockthe sensor to the base and a cam mechanism extending about the openingand configured to actuate the lock mechanism, wherein the cam mechanismis configured to rotate circumferentially about the opening, and whereinrotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the lockmechanism to lock the sensor on the base in a locked position or unlockthe sensor from the base in an unlocked position.

In another embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a sensorconfigured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a baseconfigured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining anopening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. Themerchandise display system also includes a lock mechanism comprising atleast one engagement member configured to lock the sensor to the baseand a rotatable mechanism extending about an axis of the opening andconfigured to actuate the lock mechanism. The rotatable mechanism isconfigured to rotate about the axis of the opening, and wherein rotationof the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the at least oneengagement member to move to either lock the sensor on the base in alocked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlockedposition.

In another embodiment, a merchandise display system includes a sensorconfigured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a baseconfigured to removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining anopening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. Themerchandise display system further includes a lock mechanism configuredto lock the sensor to the base, the lock mechanism comprising a keyreceptacle and a shuttle configured to move between engaged anddisengaged positions with the key receptacle. The merchandise displaysystem also includes a key configured to engage the key receptacle forcausing the shuttle to engage the key receptacle, the shuttle configuredto disengage the key receptacle when the key is removed from the keyreceptacle. The key is configured to move the key receptacle to actuatethe lock mechanism to lock the sensor on the base in a locked positionor unlock the sensor from the base in an unlocked position while theshuttle is engaged with the key receptacle.

In another embodiment, a method includes securing a sensor to thearticle of merchandise and positioning the sensor on a base, the baseconfigured to removably support the sensor thereon and defining anopening configured to receive a portion of the sensor therein. Themethod also includes actuating a lock mechanism to lock the sensor tothe base, a rotatable mechanism extending about the opening andconfigured to actuate the lock mechanism, wherein the rotatablemechanism is configured to rotate about the opening, and whereinrotation of the rotatable mechanism is configured to cause the lockmechanism to lock the sensor on the base in a locked position or unlockthe sensor from the base in an unlocked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise security system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the merchandise security systemshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the merchandise security systemshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a sensor according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lock mechanism according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 5 in a lockedposition.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 5 in anunlocked position.

FIG. 9 is a partial top view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 5 in alocked position.

FIG. 10 is a partial top view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 5 inan unlocked position.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a lock mechanism according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a connector and the lockmechanism shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sensor according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a base according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the base shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a lock mechanism according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a partial top view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is another side view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the lock mechanism shown in FIG.16.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a key according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of a system for securing an article ofmerchandise are described below and shown. The article of merchandise Mis typically a display model or an operational sample of electronicmerchandise, such as portable telephones, smart phones, computers (e.g.notebooks, laptops, tablets, etc.), e-readers, media players, and thelike, for a customer to examine before making a decision to purchase thearticle. The article of merchandise is typically displayed in a mannerthat permits a prospective purchaser to evaluate the operation andfeatures of the merchandise, while protecting the merchandise from apotential thief. In one embodiment, a sensor with alarming circuitry maybe attached to the article of merchandise for detecting various alarmingconditions, such as the article being removed from the sensor. A tethermay be operably engaged with the sensor at one end, while the oppositeend may be secured to a base or other display surface. As explained infurther detail below, the alarming circuitry of the sensor may also beconfigured to detect an alarming condition of the tether, such ascutting or detaching the tether.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate embodiments of a merchandise security system 10 forsecuring an article of merchandise M from theft or unauthorized removal.The system generally includes a sensor 12, a tether 14, and a base 16.The sensor 12 is configured to be secured to the article of merchandiseM, such as with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (not shown) and/or one ormechanical bracket arms 18. One end of the tether 14 may be electricallyconnected to the base 16, while the opposite end of the tether 14includes a connector or jack 22. The sensor 12 may be electricallyconnected to the tether 14, such as with the connector 22 as shown inFIGS. 3-4. Thus, the connector 22 may be releasably secured to thesensor 12 to establish electrical communication therebetween, such asvia a threaded engagement or a lock mechanism.

The base 16 is configured to removably support the sensor 12 thereonsuch that the sensor 12 and article of merchandise M may be removed fromthe base 16 for inspection and returned to the base 16. The base 16 maydefine an opening therethrough that allows the tether 14 to extend andretract relative to the base 16. In some cases, the base 16 may house arecoiler therein configured to retract the tether 14 into the base aswell as allow extension of the cable from the base. The base 16 maydefine an opening configured to receive the tether 14 therethrough (see,e.g., FIG. 2). Moreover, the recoiler may be secured below a supportsurface (e.g., a counter, shelf, or the like). The recoiler may beelectrically connected to a power source that is configured to providepower to the recoiler 18 and to the tether 14. In yet other embodiments,the sensor 12 and base 16 may be connected by a tether 14 that isexternal to the base 16 (e.g., with a coiled cord). In some embodiments,the sensor 12 is electrically connected to a power cable 26 that isconfigured to provide power to the article of merchandise M. Thus, thepower cable 26 may facilitate use of the article of merchandise M ondisplay and charging of the article's battery. FIG. 3 shows that thepower cable 26 may include a connector 28 that is configured to operablyengage an input port on the article of merchandise M. The alarmingcircuitry may be configured to detect removal of the connector 28 insome embodiments for generating an audible and/or a visual alarm.

As discussed above, the sensor 12 may include alarming circuitry,processor, central processing unit, or the like that is configured todetermine whether various security events have occurred for generatingan audible and/or a visual alarm. The sensor 12 may also include analarm (e.g., a piezoelectric device) that is configured to generate anaudible alarm. Thus, the sensor 12 may be configured as“alarm-on-product” whereby the sensor is configured to alarm whenattached to the article of merchandise M or detached from the article ofmerchandise. In some cases, the sensor 12 may include a visual indicator(e.g., an LED) for emitting a visual signal when the alarming circuitryis armed and/or alarming. Moreover, the sensor 12 and/or base 16 mayinclude a transfer port 30 that is configured to communicate with a key32 for arming and/or disarming the alarming circuitry (see, e.g., FIG.3). In one embodiment, the transfer port 30 is configured to communicatewirelessly with a key 32 in order to determine whether the key isauthorized to arm and/or disarm the alarming circuitry. According tosome embodiments, the key is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No.7,737,845, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety. According to one embodiment, the sensor 12 may include apressure switch or the like that is configured to detect when thearticle of merchandise has been removed from the sensor. The alarmingcircuitry may be configured to detect the removal of the article M andgenerate and an audible and/or a visual alarm in response thereto. Insome embodiments, the alarming circuitry may be also or alternatively belocated in the base 16 or at another location. For instance, the sensor12 and the alarming circuitry may be electrically connected with oneanother, such as via one or more conductors extending through the tether14.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide for the delivery ofpower to the article of merchandise M and/or the sensor 12 through aplurality of conductors in the tether 14. In some examples, the tether14 includes only two conductors (e.g., a positive power line and aground line). An input power source may be in electrical communicationwith the conductors for transmitting power through the tether 14 and tothe sensor 12 and/or the article of merchandise M. In other embodiments,the delivery of power may occur via one or more electrical contacts 30on the sensor 12 and the base 16. Thus, power may be configured to betransferred to the sensor 12 from the base 16 when the sensor is seatedon the base.

In some embodiments, the sensor 12 may be configured to be engaged bythe base 16 using a lock mechanism 50 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5-10). The lockmechanism 50 may be configured to lock and/or unlock in response toreceiving electrical power, such as via an electronic key 32. In oneexample, the lock mechanism 50 is at least partially housed within thebase 16. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 50 may be configured toactuated using a mechanical key or the like. In the instance where anelectronic key 32 is utilized, the base 16 may be configured to detect anumber and/or sequence of activations of the key (e.g., key presses) todetermine whether to arm or disarm the alarming circuitry and/or to lockor unlock the lock mechanism 50. For example, one activation of the key32 may cause the alarming circuitry to disarm while a second activationof the key may cause both the alarming circuitry to disarm and the lockmechanism 50 to unlock.

In one embodiment, the sensor 12 or connector 22 includes at least onefirst engagement member 52, while the lock mechanism 50 includes atleast one second engagement member 56. In the illustrated example shownin FIG. 4, the first engagement member 52 is a slot, recess, indentationor the like defined in the connector 22 that extends at least partiallyabout the circumference of the connector. The slot may extend about theentire circumference of the connector 22 in some embodiments. The secondengagement 56 member is configured to engage the first engagement member52. The second engagement member 56 may be a biased member that isconfigured to be biased into engagement with the first engagement member52. Alternatively, the second engagement member 56 may be biased towardsa disengaged position. Thus, the second engagement member 56 may be aspring-biased member. FIGS. 7 and 9 show a top view of the lockmechanism 50 and that the second engagement member 56 may extend withinan opening 57 defined through the lock mechanism in a locked position,while in FIGS. 8 and 10, the second engagement member is recessed withinthe lock mechanism in an unlocked position. The second engagement member56 may be biased to automatically engage the first engagement member 52when the sensor 12 is placed on the base 16. Thus, as the sensor 12 ismoved to a seated position on the base 16, the second engagement member56 may bias into engagement with the first engagement member 52. Inother embodiments, the second engagement member 56 may be actuated intoengagement with one another, such as under operation of an electronickey 32 or the like.

In some cases, the second engagement member 56 may engage the firstengagement member 52 at a plurality of locations. In one embodiment, thesecond engagement member 56 engages the first engagement member 52 at aplurality of locations. For example, FIGS. 5-10 show three secondengagement members 56.

When the second engagement member 56 is in engagement with the firstengagement member 52, the sensor 12 is locked to the base 16. Thus, thesensor 12 may not be removed from the base 16 without disassembly orotherwise damaging the sensor and/or base. In the locked position,however, the sensor 12 may be rotatable about the base 16. Thus, thesensor 12 and associated article of merchandise M may rotate at leastpartially about the base 16 (e.g., at least about 90 degrees), and mayeven rotate freely about the base. As such, even when in a lockedposition, a consumer is able to interact with the article of merchandiseM including moving the article of merchandise between different displayorientations.

In one embodiment, the lock mechanism 50 is configured to movesequentially between locked and unlocked positions. In this regard, FIG.6 shows that the lock mechanism 50 includes a driver 60 and an actuator62 (e.g., a cam mechanism). One end of a shape memory wire 66 is coupledto the driver 60, while an opposite end 68 of the shape memory wire isanchored to the lock mechanism 50. The driver 60 and cam mechanism 62are configured to rotate relative to one another. For example, actuationof the shape memory wire 66 may result in rotation of the driver 60(e.g., in a clockwise direction), which in turn rotates the cammechanism 62 in the same direction (e.g., in a clockwise direction).Rotation of the cam mechanism 62 causes the engagement members 56 tomove to either a locked position or an unlocked position. Followingactuation of the driver 60, the driver is configured to rotate in anopposite direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction) back to itsinitial position, and in some cases, the driver may be spring biased toits initial position. As shown in FIGS. 9-10, rotation of the cammechanism 62 may cause the engagement members 56 to extend outwardlyfrom the lock mechanism 50 and inwardly within the opening 57 to alocked position, or to retract the engagement members 56 within the lockmechanism to an unlocked position. Thus, the camming geometry of the cammechanism 62 facilitates extension and retraction of the engagementmembers 56 as the cam mechanism is rotated. In some cases, the driver 60and cam mechanism 62 may cooperate in a ratcheting manner wherein thedriver is configured to advance the cam mechanism with each actuation ofthe cam mechanism. Although the actuator 62 has been described as a cammechanism, it is understood that other mechanisms may be employed inother embodiments.

As noted above, an end of the shape memory wire 66 may be coupled to thedriver 60, while the opposite end of the shape member wire is notrequired to also be coupled to the driver. The driver 60 may include oneor more electrical contacts for facilitating an electrical connectionwith a printed circuit board (PCB) 70 of the lock mechanism 50. Theelectrical contacts may be electrical traces such that the driver 60 andPCB 70 maintain electrical contact as the driver is rotated relative tothe PCB. In some cases, the driver 60 may comprise an electricallyconductive material (e.g., copper), while the PCB 70 includes one ormore electrical contacts or traces for establishing an electricalconnection therebetween. Moreover, in one example, the end 68 of theshape memory wire 66 anchored to the lock mechanism 50 may be furthercoupled to a spring that allows the end of the shape memory wire to flexin response to impact forces applied to the base 16 and/or lockmechanism 50 to thereby prevent the end of the shape memory wire frombreaking.

As discussed above, the lock mechanism 50 may include a shape memorywire 66 (e.g., a Nitinol wire) such that electrical power transferredfrom an electronic key 32 (or other power source) results in a change inshape of the shape memory material. Such a change in shape may cause amechanical actuation of the lock mechanism 50 to thereby lock or unlockthe lock mechanism. It is understood that any number of lock mechanisms50 may be employed, including in conjunction with various forms of powertransfer for actuating a lock mechanism (e.g., inductive, capacitive,etc.). For example, where a shape memory material is utilized, a changein shape of the shape memory material may cause mechanical actuation(e.g., linear and/or rotary movement) of the lock mechanism 50. Theshape memory material may be operably engaged with a lock mechanism 50in any number of configurations to facilitate such actuation. Moreover,the shape memory material may be any suitable material, such as a metal,a polymer, or a combination thereof, that is configured to change inshape (e.g., length, area, etc.) in response to a current or a change intemperature. In addition, other mechanisms may be utilized for actuatinga lock mechanism, including mechanical, electrical, and/or chemicalstate changes. In other embodiments, the lock mechanism 50 may cooperatewith a motor or solenoid for operating the lock mechanism.

FIGS. 11-12 show another embodiment of a lock mechanism 50′. In thisembodiment, the second engagement members 56 are a plurality ofspherical members that are configured to engage and disengage the firstengagement member 52 of the connector 22. In this regard, there may be aplurality of second engagement members 56 disposed about thecircumference of the opening 57. The second engagement members 56 areconfigured to move radially inwardly into engagement with the firstengagement member 52 in a locked position and to move radially outwardlyout of engagement with the first engagement member in an unlockedposition. Various mechanisms or actuators may be employed to move thesecond engagement members 56 between locked and unlocked positions, suchas a cam mechanism 72. For instance, FIG. 11 shows that the cammechanism 72 may include a plurality of recesses 74 each configured toreceive a respective second engagement member 56 in an unlockedposition. When actuated to a locked position, the cam mechanism 72 isconfigured to move each of the second engagement members 56 intoengagement with the first engagement member 52 and to thereby preventthe second engagement members from returning to the unlocked position.In some embodiments, the cam mechanism 72 is configured to rotate tomove the second engagement members to a locked or unlocked position.

The lock mechanism 50′ may be actuated using a variety of methods. Forexample, an actuator 60′ may be configured to move the cam mechanism 72between locked and unlocked positions. In some cases, less than a fullrevolution of the actuator 60′ may be configured to actuate the secondengagement members 56 (e.g., a quarter or half turn). In some cases, theactuator 60′ may include a fastener 76 coupled to a latch. Rotation ofthe fastener 76 is configured to rotate the latch, which in turnactuates the cam mechanism 72 to a locked or unlocked position. A keymay be employed to actuate the actuator 60′, such as a mechanical,magnetic, or electronic key. In one embodiment, the actuator 60′ may bemodular or interchangeable in that different actuator types may be usedas desired. For instance, a mechanical actuator 60′ may be used as shownin the illustrated embodiment, however, an electrical actuator 60′ maybe used in other embodiments by removing the mechanical actuator 60′ andcoupling the electrical actuator to the lock mechanism 50′. In somecases, a motor, solenoid, and/or shape memory material may be employedwith the actuator 60′ to facilitate locking or unlocking the lockmechanism 50′.

FIGS. 13-20 illustrate another embodiment of a merchandise securitysystem including a sensor 12, a base 16, and a lock mechanism 50″ forlocking the sensor to the base. In this embodiment, a plurality ofengagement members 56 are retained by or otherwise seated on a retainingmember 80. In this example, the engagement members 56 are spherical inshape and may be ball bearings. Four engagement members 56 are spacedfrom one another at 90 degree locations about the circumference of theretaining member 80, although any number of engagement members 56 may beemployed. However, engagement members 56 that engage the sensor 14 aboutthe circumference of the engagement member 52 create a more secureconnection than if only one engagement member 56 is used or if theengagement members 56 do not uniformly or symmetrically engage theengagement member 52. A camming mechanism 72 or like mechanism isconfigured to move the engagement members 56 into or out of engagementwith the engagement member 52 of the sensor 12. Thus, when the cammingmechanism 72 is moved in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, theengagement members 56 may be moved to a locked or unlocked position. Insome cases, the engagement members 56 may be configured to move radiallyinto engagement with the engagement member 52 and/or radially out ofengagement.

The base 16 may include one or more magnets 34 or magnetic material, andthe sensor 12 may include one or more magnets or magnetic material forreleasably holding the sensor on the base. The magnets 34 may aid inaligning the item of merchandise in a desired display orientation whenthe sensor 12 is seated on the base 16. Furthermore, in one embodiment,the base 16 may include magnets 36 used to facilitate disengagement ofthe engagement members 56 from the engagement member 52. In this regard,in the locked position, the engagement members 56 cannot be moved to theunlocked position due to the configuration of the camming mechanism 72.For example, in the locked position, a portion of the camming mechanism72 may be positioned between the engagement members 56 and the magnets36. However, when the camming mechanism 72 is moved to the unlockedposition, the magnets 36 are magnetically attracted to the engagementmembers 56 thereby forcing or at least holding the engagement members 56out of engagement with the engagement member 52.

An actuator 60″ may be used to move the camming mechanism 72 betweenlocked and unlocked positions. In one embodiment, the actuator 60″ mayinclude a yoke mechanism 82, a shuttle 84, and a key receptacle 86. Theyoke 82 and the shuttle 84 may be in engagement with one another at alltimes, while the shuttle is configured to engage and disengage the keyreceptacle 86, such as via a keyway-type of engagement. In some cases,the shuttle 84 is a magnetic shuttle (e.g., with a magnet 85) that isconfigured to be magnetically attracted to a key, such as in the form ofa magnetic key 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 21). The magnetic key 100 may beconfigured to engage the key receptacle 86 and thereby magneticallyattract and move the shuttle 84 into engagement with the key receptacle.Both the magnetic key 100 and the key receptacle 86 may have a matchingshape (e.g., square or rectangular) for engaging one another (see, e.g.,FIGS. 18-19). In some instances, the magnetic key 100 may move theshuttle 84 into a mating mechanical engagement with the key receptacle86 (e.g., the shuttle may have a square or rectangular shaped portionthat is received within a square or rectangular opening defined in thekey receptacle). In this way, rotation of the magnetic key 100 whileengaged with the key receptacle 86 also causes the yoke 82 to rotate. Asshown in FIG. 18, the yoke 82 may be configured to rotate to engage aportion of the camming mechanism 72 for movement between the locked andunlocked positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the camming mechanism72 includes a pin 88 that is configured to be engaged by the yoke 82 asthe yoke is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise. Less than afull rotation of the key receptacle 86 may be needed to move between thelocked and unlocked positions. For example, a partial turn of 90 degreesor less may result in movement between the locked and unlockedpositions. In some cases, minimal engagement or movement is neededbetween the yoke 82 and the camming mechanism 72 to move between thelocked and unlocked positions, such as less than 45 degrees of rotationof the yoke in either a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation (e.g.,20-25 degrees or about 22.5 degrees).

Due to the fact that the yoke 82 and the shuttle 84 are not inengagement with the key receptacle 86 when the magnetic key 100 is notpresent or a key without a magnet is used, rotation of the keyreceptacle alone will not cause the yoke to rotate since the shuttle andthe key receptacle are not engaged with one another. Rather, a magnetickey 100 is required in order to facilitate the engagement between theshuttle 84 and the key receptacle 86 and thereby engagement with theyoke 82. In order to prevent an unauthorized user from attempting todefeat the lock mechanism 50″, such as by back driving the cammingmechanism 72, the shuttle 84 may be configured to engage a portion ofthe retaining member 80, which is fixed, when the magnetic key 100 isnot engaged with the key receptacle 86 (see, e.g., FIG. 19). In somecases, the shuttle 84 may be biased (e.g., with a spring) towardsengagement with the retaining member 80 when the magnetic key 100 is notengaged with the key receptacle 86. The illustrated example shows thatthe shuttle 82 may have a portion that is shaped (e.g., square orrectangular) to mate with and engage a corresponding shaped portion ofthe retaining member 80 to thereby prevent rotation of the yoke 82 andthe camming mechanism 72.

The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of merchandisesecurity systems and methods for displaying and protecting an article ofmerchandise. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand andappreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the inventionmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications areintended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A merchandise display system for displayingan article of merchandise comprising: a sensor configured to be securedto the article of merchandise; a base configured to removably supportthe sensor thereon, the base defining an opening configured to receive aportion of the sensor therein; a lock mechanism configured to lock thesensor to the base; and an actuation mechanism extending about theopening and configured to actuate the lock mechanism, wherein theactuation mechanism is configured to move about the opening, and whereinmovement of the actuation mechanism is configured to cause the lockmechanism to lock the sensor on the base in a locked position or unlockthe sensor from the base in an unlocked position.
 2. The merchandisedisplay system of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism is configuredto actuate the lock mechanism in response to receiving a wirelesssignal.
 3. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein theactuation mechanism comprises a motor or solenoid for actuating the lockmechanism.
 4. The merchandise display system of claim 1, furthercomprising a tether attached to the sensor at one end and an oppositeend configured to be received through the opening.
 5. The merchandisedisplay system of claim 4, wherein an end of the tether comprises aconnector configured to releasably engage the sensor.
 6. The merchandisedisplay system of claim 5, wherein the lock mechanism is configured toengage the connector in the locked position.
 7. The merchandise displaysystem of claim 5, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to engagethe sensor in the locked position.
 8. The merchandise display system ofclaim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a cam mechanism. 9.The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the actuationmechanism extends about the entire circumference of the opening.
 10. Themerchandise display system of claim 1, further comprising an actuatorconfigured to actuate the actuation mechanism.
 11. The merchandisedisplay system of claim 10, wherein the actuator is configured to beactuated with a magnetic key.
 12. The merchandise display system ofclaim 10, wherein the actuator is configured to be actuated with anelectronic key.
 13. The merchandise display system of claim 10, whereinthe actuator is configured to be rotated for actuating the actuationmechanism.
 14. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein thesensor is configured to rotate at least about 90 degrees with respect tothe base while locked thereto.
 15. The merchandise display system ofclaim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to freely rotate with respectto the base while locked thereto.
 16. The merchandise display system ofclaim 1, wherein the lock mechanism and the actuation mechanism arepositioned within the base.
 17. The merchandise display system of claim1, further comprising a key configured to actuate the lock mechanism.18. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the sensorcomprises a first engagement member and the lock mechanism comprises atleast one second engagement member configured to releasably engage thefirst engagement member, and wherein movement of the actuation mechanismis configured to cause the at least one second engagement member to moveeither into engagement with the first engagement member for locking thesensor on the base in the locked position or out of engagement with thefirst engagement member in the unlocked position.
 19. The merchandisedisplay system of claim 18, wherein the first engagement membercomprises a slot.
 20. The merchandise display system of claim 19,wherein the slot extends circumferentially.
 21. The merchandise displaysystem of claim 18, wherein the at least one second engagement member isconfigured to bias into or out of engagement with the first engagementmember.
 22. The merchandise display system of claim 18, furthercomprising a plurality of second engagement members, each secondengagement member configured to engage the first engagement member. 23.The merchandise display system of claim 18, wherein the base comprisesat least one magnet configured to magnetically attract the at least onesecond engagement member in the unlocked position.
 24. The merchandisedisplay system of claim 18, wherein the at least one second engagementmember is configured to move radially inward into engagement with thefirst engagement member or radially out of engagement with the firstengagement member.
 25. The merchandise display system of claim 1,wherein the actuation mechanism extends circumferentially about theopening.
 26. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein theactuation mechanism extends about an axis of the opening and isconfigured to rotate about the axis of the opening.
 27. A method fordisplaying an article of merchandise comprising: securing a sensor tothe article of merchandise; positioning the sensor on a base configuredto removably support the sensor thereon, the base defining an openingconfigured to receive a portion of the sensor therein; and actuating alock mechanism to lock the sensor to the base, an actuation mechanismextending about the opening and configured to actuate the lockmechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to move aboutthe opening, and wherein movement of the actuation mechanism isconfigured to cause the lock mechanism to lock the sensor on the base ina locked position or unlock the sensor from the base in an unlockedposition.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein actuating comprisinglocking the sensor to the base via actuation of a key.
 29. The method ofclaim 27, further comprising unlocking the sensor from the base suchthat the sensor is removable from the base.
 30. The method of claim 27,wherein actuating comprising actuating the actuation mechanism inresponse to receiving a wireless signal.